Take part in the Horn Farm Center's growing ecosystem of learning and action by helping us protect local waterways and foster a resilient ecosystem.
About the Organization:
The Horn Farm Center is an environmental nonprofit with a mission to foster ecological learning through land stewardship, community partnership, and hands-on experiences. From regenerative gardens to habitat restoration, our landscape serves as a hands-on learning hub empowering our community with earth-based knowledge and skills. To learn more, take a virtual tour or check out our upcoming classes and events.
About this Volunteer Opportunity:
We're seeking volunteers to help us tend our newly-planted 10-acre riparian buffer. Hands on the land are critical as we protect water and build back biodiversity on retired farmland without the use of herbicides or large machines. Join us to learn about agroforestry, land restoration, and our watershed while helping us ensure a thriving ecosystem for the future.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
During our Fall 2025 riparian buffer workdays, volunteers will help monitor trees, manage young plantings, prepare soil for new live stake rows, and/or plant saplings. Time and materials allowing, volunteers may also help harvest and process American hazelnuts (Corylus americana).
Volunteer Requirements:
- Physical activity: Volunteers should be able-bodied for minor physical labor, including stooping, pulling, shoveling, and spending time outside in potentially rainy, hot, or cold conditions. Be prepared for walking on uneven, possibly muddy terrain.
- What to bring:
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
- Clothing suitable for outdoor work.
- Refillable water bottle (refills available on site).
- Snacks as preferred.
- Gentle, naturally-derived insect protection as preferred.
Date & Time: Friday, October 17th, 2-5pm
Supplies provided: The Horn Farm Center will provide all supplies that are needed for this project, including work gloves.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather, and bring your own water bottle (refills will be available). We have gloves on hand for those who need them, though we encourage participants to bring their own gloves. All tools will be provided.
Location: Horn Farm Center (4945 Horn Road, York, PA 17406). Approx. 10min drive from downtown York.
Transportation: Volunteers must provide their own transportation for this opportunity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact volunteer@ycp.edu.
Team Leader: TBD
Apparel: Volunteers should wear their SpartanServe t-shirts. If you do not have a t-shirt from previous years, please stop by the Spartan Volunteer Network (HUM125) on Wednesday, October 15th between 8:00am-4:30pm to pick one up.
Contact Info:
Andrew Leahy, Education & Outreach Specialist: a.leahy@hornfarmcenter.org
Project group will be led by Master Watershed Steward and Horn Farm volunteer Cindy Pizziketti